Finally...

...feeling better. Egads, the flu hit me with a knockout punch.

Its really bad when you don't even want to turn on the computer and surf. Or sit at your table and play with paper. Blahhhhhh. But, I'm on the mend.

I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday and wishing you a prosperous, healthy, creative and HAPPY 2011.

Oh yeah...don't forget to check out Paper Issues, there's a new link challenge started today. This time we want to see all things "New to You". And this month our sponsor is Nikki Sivils!

OH...Shut The Front Door

I wish I could say this was my front door. But I can say that I designed it. This year my boss gave me free reign. She suggested some stuff she liked in a wholesale catalog and I added my ideas. We added and edited and I drew up a design. She was pleased with the outcome which means a lot to me. When you're given an almost unlimited amount of product, it makes decorating a lot easier (except for the labor and pressure of putting it all together). Most of the stuff here is from Raz Imports. She goes to Dallas Market once a year to shop. So I have no idea where you can find this stuff in "Retail World", sorry about that. My answer...Google.



Stay warm. Stay healthy. And Happy Festivus!!!!

Today I'm Taking A Little Holiday Break

Last night I had visions of sugar plums snapping at my heals, Santa's sled was drag racing up and down my street, and that barking dog Jingle Bells song kept playing in my head........I need a little break from Christmas today. Aaaaaach.

So, keeping in the spirit of giving, I decided to use up some of last year's Valentine scrap goodies, specifically Little Yellow Bicycle's Love Letters. I cranked out about a dozen cards lickety-split. Tomorrow I'll be sending them to Operation Write Home. This year on National Cardmaking Day, Cassie Box told our crafty group about this organization. Well, I'm hooked. PLEASE, go check them out! You'll be hooked too, even if you're not a card maker. I can't think of a better way to use old stash and support our troops at the same time. They are an incredibly organized group. You don't have to supply envelopes. They request 4.25 x 5.5 cards. There's very specific info on their site. So what are you waiting for, huh? The deadline for Valentine cards is January 7th.

Peace out and Merry Christmas

The Tour - Part Deux

As promised....let's begin with my favorite tree. It's totally cats and dogs. And the stand is a dog house. The tree is from Raz Imports. I added the pearlized lights to the roof with a staple gun. I mean, seriously, every dog house needs Christmas lights, don't you think?





Just a little vignette in the living room (no biggie).




Moving on to the sunroom dining table (with tree in background)....



and the nativity scene is Krinkles by Patience Brewster....



Well, the tour's not quite complete. I have to take a few more photos first...so from the "Christmas Terminator"....I'll be BACH!

Holiday Hugs,
Kimbo

Just Doing My Holiday Thang, Y'all

Just a little sumpin', sumpin' I wanted to share. This is why my manicurist is going to freak out. Now, if I only had the strength to do my own home. Sorry, hubby of mine, not this year.

We'll start the tour in the cabana with the Patriotic Tree. Make sure you salute!





Next we'll head upstairs. Yep, upstairs. That's a lot of ornaments to haul up them dang old stairs. I have nightmares about this tree. It takes a full-length ladder to do the top. Extra caffeine is a requirement here.




And let's not forget the fireplace mantel......


Oh yeah....there's more coming tomorrow. And it includes my favorite brand new tree.

It's The Thought That Counts - A Tutorial

Here's a thrifty idea perfect for group gift giving such as neighbors, carolers, sewing/craft circles, etc. I did this a few years ago for my grandmother's caregivers at a nursing facility. This easy project was in a paper crafting magazine several years ago. My apologies, but when I ripped it out of the mag, I didn't get any identifying labels. Lesson learned and noted.

Here's what you'll need:
Socks (got mine at a discount store, 6 pair for $5)
Cardstock
Pigment ink pad
Buttons
Glue dots
Needle and thread
Ribbon
Embellishments


Step 1:
Print sentiment on cardstock via computer (or using a stamp). I was able to print six sets of sentiments on one letter-sized page. Three columns simply cut and pasted.


Step 2:
Cut into tags and ink the raw edges. This example measures approximately 2.75 x 4.75. Fold tags in half.


Step 3:
Open tag and place over a pair of socks. Position button at the top and center of the tag. Stitch in place with just one or two stitches. Tuck a tiny piece of ribbon underneath the button and hold in place with a small glue dot. (Or you can stitch this along with the button, your choice.)


I chose a simple design for fast production value, but you can embellish to your little heart's content. Once you've completed a dozen or so, tuck them into a holiday basket for display and distribution. Then go put on a Santa cap or reindeer headband and spread the joy. Have fun and Merry Christmas!

Greetings!

There really aren't enough hours in the day, are there? Its been so long since I've blog hopped, Facebooked, or posted here. I fear I'll never catch up with all the blogs I love to follow. Maybe I can steal a few hours this weekend. I know that I'm missing out on some fabulous creative projects.

Last night, Tom and I celebrated our 29th anniversary. We had a great meal at a new Mexican restaurant, a really funky place. The food and service were excellent and our waiter really made dinner special for us, he sent out a huge piece of Tres Leche cake...omg, serious yum. Afterwards, we headed to my "hippie church" as my MIL used to say. I belong to a non-denominational (Unity) church, Tommy accompanies me to special events. Unity puts on a wonderful Christmas concert every year, its a very ecclectic mix of music. When we arrived, we realized no one was there. I figured it was just me being a dunce as usual and mixing up the dates, so we drove around looking at Chrismas lights.

This morning I found out the assistant musical director died very unexpectedly from a brain anyurism. He was my age. When I was battling cancer, his music was always such an inspiration to me. I could feel myself healing just hearing him him sing and playing his guitar. His favorite musician was John Lennon. Very ironic he would die on the 30th anniversary of Lennon's death. Its been a sad day today. David Tipps....enjoy never breaking another guitar string, my friend and say hello to John for me.

In the meantime, I want to share a little holiday hanger I made for a friend. I hope she likes it. Take care everyone and as always, thanks for stopping by.